By Shane Smith, Personal Injury Lawyer – Shane Smith Law
So, you’ve been in a car accident…
Or maybe you slipped and fell on someone else’s property…
And now the insurance adjuster is calling and says they need to take a recorded statement.
Should you do it?
Let me be clear:
No. Don’t do it—at least not before talking to a lawyer.
And here’s why.
What’s a Recorded Statement Really For?
When an insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement, they’ll tell you it’s part of their “investigation.”
But make no mistake—this isn’t just about fact-finding.
They’re asking about:
- What happened in the accident
- What your injuries are
- Your prior medical history
- Even what you were doing the week before the accident
Why all the questions?
They’re not trying to pay you more. They’re looking for excuses to pay you less.
And here’s the trick:
They record it so they can use your own words against you later.
They’ll search for:
- Inconsistencies in your answers
- Gaps in your story
- Anything they can twist to minimize your claim
“But I Just Want to Tell the Truth…”
Of course you do. But the truth can still be used against you. Insurance companies train their adjusters to ask tricky, leading questions.
If you:
- Misspeak
- Forget a detail
- Answer something incorrectly
It could come back to haunt you—and cost you money in the end.
That’s why I tell every client:
If they only wanted to know what happened, they wouldn’t need to record it. What Should You Do Instead?
Here’s what I recommend:
- Never give a recorded statement without a lawyer present.
Your attorney can guide the conversation and protect your rights.
- If you don’t have a lawyer yet, talk to one before saying a word.
A quick consultation could save you from saying something that weakens your case.
- Remember: the insurance adjuster is not your friend.
They work for the company—not for you.
For a free legal consultation, call (980) 246-2656
Final Thought
At the end of the day, recorded statements are a trap. They’re designed to help the insurance company, not you.
So if you’ve been hurt in a car accident or slip and fall, and you get that call from the adjuster—pause.
Call us first. Let’s make sure you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
📞 In pain? Call Shane! 980-999-9999
💼 Shane Smith Law – Fighting for Injury Victims Every Day
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